Trägerelektrolyten

Trägerelektrolyten, also known as supporting electrolytes, are inert ionic compounds added to electrochemical experiments. Their primary function is to increase the conductivity of the electrolyte solution. This is crucial because the analyte, the substance being studied, is often present in very low concentrations, making the solution poorly conductive on its own. By adding a high concentration of a supporting electrolyte, the resistance of the solution is significantly reduced. This minimizes Ohmic potential drop (IR drop), which can distort electrochemical measurements, particularly in techniques like voltammetry and amperometry. A good supporting electrolyte is electrochemically inactive within the potential range of interest, meaning it does not undergo oxidation or reduction itself. Common examples include alkali metal salts like potassium chloride (KCl) or tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) in organic solvents. The selection of a supporting electrolyte depends on the solvent system and the electrochemical window required for the experiment.